Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues donate $20,000 to assist financially struggling SAC students
#Nassau, June 18, 2018 – Bahamas – Addressing the 2018 Graduating Class of his alma mater, St. Augustine’s College, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis who struggled financially to attend school, personally donated $10,000 for students who might be experiencing the same challenges. And, his Cabinet colleagues followed suit and matched his donation making it a total of $20,000 donated to pay school fees for those struggling students.
The 2018 Class of about 115 students received their high school diplomas and special awards during graduation exercises held at Melia Nassau Beach resort Independence Ballroom on Thursday, June 14. Also in attendance and assisting with handing out the awards was SAC alumnus the Hon. Jeff Lloyd, Minister of Education, who beamed with pride as his daughter Sanjay Maria, became a SAC alumnus.
Before a packed room of family members and other well wishers, the Prime Minister delivered his address to the graduates, recalling his financial struggle to pay school fees and the un-likelihood of becoming a doctor, or a politician or even a prime minister. He also noted that the school’s vice principal Benedict Dorsett and Catholic Archbishop Patrick Pinder were part of his 1971 graduating class.
“I know that the Archbishop never imagined in those years that he would be the first Bahamian Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese,” the Prime Minister said. He deemed it “a special privilege” to address the Graduating Class of 2018.
The Prime Minister told his story of humble beginnings in Bain Town and that he never dreamed he would enter politics. “If anybody told me back then that I would run for the House of Assembly, or become a Cabinet Minister, I would have told them that they needed to get their head checked.
“And if anybody told me that I would one day have the privilege of serving as Prime Minister, I would have been the one laughing the hardest,” he said
As a young boy he said his mother taught him that just because you come from a modest background doesn’t mean you can’t have big dreams or explore new horizons. He recalled that when he was accepted to attend SAC, she was overjoyed. He said they did not have money to pay school fees so he worked as a paperboy, in a tailor shop, would shine shoes, pump gas and do other small jobs to make money.
“Although I worked hard and saved up to help pay my school fees, we didn’t always have enough money. The funds I earned were insufficient to cover costs. Even today, I recall times I would be sent home because we couldn’t pay the school fees,” the Prime Minister said. However, he said, his circumstances motivated him to work even harder to graduate from SAC.
“I was determined that I would not allow my circumstances to dictate my destiny. I learned early in life that when you dream big, you also have to work hard.”
The Prime Minister said attending St. Augustine’s remains one of the greater privileges of his life; and he gave honour to the Benedictine monks and the late Deacon Leviticus Adderley, who was one of the most principled men he’s ever met, he said. When he graduated high school, he said his ambition was to be a marine biologist, having a love for the ocean and the marine life of The Bahamas.
“While I was waiting to be accepted into a program to study marine biology, my mother suggested that I also apply to medical school at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Because I heard from UWI first, I went to medical school,” he said.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister became an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and said God has “gifted me to practice my craft well, having delivered over 5,000 babies.” He reached the pinnacle of his medical career in 2007, when he consciously made the decision to enter frontline politics.
“That is why when I heard of your theme, ‘Exploring New Horizons,’ I embraced the opportunity to address you,” the Prime Minister said.
He admonished the graduates that in their pursuit of personal dreams and serving humanity to explore new horizons by asking questions such as “Why can’t The Bahamas become one of the most successful small countries in the world?”
He thanked God for blessing him with the opportunity to serve “our great country” as Prime Minister, to help provide this generation with the opportunities and the tools they need to respond to these questions with imagination and ingenuity.
“I ask you to use your imagination to help the world and your country to explore new horizons with courage and tenacity.”
In this vein, he personally donated $10,000 to help some of those students who sometimes struggle to pay their school fees.
“I wish to dedicate my contribution to those students who are financially challenged, who need a little help so that they can pursue their dreams in life. When I mentioned that I was going to offer this donation, some of my other Cabinet colleagues decided to match the donation. So, I would like to announce an additional $10,000 donation, offered by my colleagues. Thank you Cabinet colleagues.”
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Captions: Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis addressed St. Augustine’s College Graduating Class of 2018 at Melia, June 14, 2018.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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